Spider Silk
At the back end of their abdomen, spiders have a set of spinnerets. Silk, a protein fiber, is produced by glands within the abdomen, and extruded through the spinnerets. Spider silk is one of the strongest naturally produced fibers. All spiders produce silk, in a variety of types and for a variety of uses. Silk is used to build webs, create shelter, protect egg sacs, wrap captured prey, and baby spiders, called spiderlings, use the silk for transportation to float in the wind on long strands. You can actually identify a spider by the type of web it makes. This orb-weaver #spider will take about 30 minutes to construct a sticky silk web. Most orb-weavers build a new web every day, recycling the silk supply by eating the old web in the morning, and rebuilding the web at dusk. #GreatPumpkinWeek #Halloween
The Restoration of Mammal Hall - Crafting a Realistic Icicle
The highly detailed work that goes into creating the landscape of each diorama at the State Museum's Mammal Hall cannot be underestimated. The crafting of Icicles, for one, is an art form. ⬇️
Hummingbird moth
At first you might think it’s a Hummingbird, but it’s a moth! A Hummingbird Moth can hover, fly sideways, or backwards, just like a Hummingbird. Their rapid wing movement even makes a similar humming sound. Suspended in the air in front of a flower, this insect will insert its proboscis inside the flower to sip the nectar. Adult Hummingbird Moths will feed on a variety of flowers including phlox, beebalm, and honeysuckle. Larval stages feed on the leaves of hawthorn, honeysuckle, viburnum, and possibly your tomato plants! Look for this large pollinator #InYourYard!
Restoring the dioramas at The State Museum
Sometimes, the finer points that make up a diorama at The State Museum are overlooked. Here's how much work goes into these crucial details. #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome
The State Museum of Pennsylvania - The Elk diorama
Taxidermists typically remove specimens from a diorama before launching into a full restoration project. That plan turned out not be possible with two of these animals, so experts took another route. #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome
Restoring the Mammal Hall dioramas at The State Museum of Pennsylvania
The Mammal Hall dioramas at The State Museum are time machines, transporting viewers to a specific place, at a specific time in Pennsylvania history. The restoration team blended art & science to capture the stance of each animal in nature. #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome
The Restoration of the Bobcat diorama at The State Museum of Pennsylvania
From the snow on the bobcat's paws to the hanging icicles, every detail in a diorama is part of the story. What does the surrounding terrain tell you about the life of this animal? #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome
The Restoration of Mammal Hall
#DidYouKnow? The State Museum's Mammal Hall dioramas are based on places peppered across the commonwealth. This video, depicting the restoration of the wolf diorama, will take you to Colton Point State Park. Watch as the artist compares elements of the painting to the scope of the landscape. #LearnInPlacePA #MuseumFromHome #wildlife
Picturing a More Perfect Union
We know you miss visiting our exhibits. So, we're bringing the State Museum to you. This video plays in the "Picturing a More Perfect Union: Violet Oakley’s Mural Studies for the Pennsylvania Senate Chamber, 1911-1919" exhibit. On May 21, 1955, Oakley returned to the PA State Capitol to tour her murals. This video features an audio recording of her remembrances of her "Unity" mural in the Senate Chamber, from the collections of the State #Archives.
Why Not in Pennsylvania? (Part 2)
#DidYouKnow? The picketing of the White House in 1917 changed the tide of public opinion on women's suffrage. The "digital doors" of the State Museum are always open. That includes "virtual tours" of the newest exhibits. #LearnInPlacePA #WomensHistoryMonth #MuseumFromHome
Why Not in Pennsylvania?
The State Museum is closed, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a "virtual tour" of one of our newest exhibits. "Why Not in Pennsylvania? Campaigning for Women’s Suffrage in the Keystone State" showcases the important role Pennsylvania played in the struggle to win women the right to vote. #LearnInPlacePA #WomensHistoryMonth #MuseumFromHome
The dugout canoe at the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show
Does the dugout canoe at the Pennsylvania Farm Show float? Find out when you visit Booth 694, across from the carousel 🎠 . #PAFS2020. 👇
Eastern Cougar at The Pennsylvania Farm Show
This mount, on exhibit at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, is recognized as the last Eastern Cougar killed in Pennsylvania. Watch as Dr. Walter Meshaka of The State Museum recounts the fascinating story of how this mount made its way to the museum. #PAFS2020
Heading to the #PAFarmShow this weekend? Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of The State Museum’s booth. #PAFS2020
Video courtesy of Purpose1, LLC.
Artist Conversations - The State Museum of Pennsylvania
On Sunday, join award-winning artist Amy LeFever & PHMC's Andrea Lowery for a casual tour of "Art of the State" as they share their thoughts regarding many of the exhibits most interesting works. #AOS2019 🎨 📸
We’re a go for liftoff at The State Museum! Celebrating Moon Madness & #Apollo50th.
Last year, Japanese officials, touring The State Museum's Three Mile Island exhibit, learned about the TMI clean-up operation. This week marks the 40th anniversary of the TMI Unit 2 partial meltdown.
We are #FacebookLive at The State Museum of Pennsylvania’s #NoonYears Celebration! Get ready for the countdown & firefly drop. #NewYears
A Detailed Diorama
This Sunday, celebrate the re-dedication of Mammal Hall at The State Museum of Pennsylvania ! Here's your agenda for the day:
👉 12:30-3 PM: Make Your Own Paper Diorama
👉 12:30-2 PM: The Animals of Mammal Hall
👉 1:30 PM: Re-Dedication Ceremony
👉 2 – 2:30 PM: Details of Timelessness Tour with Dr. Walter Meshaka
👉 2:45 – 3:15 PM: Art of the Diorama: Windows on Our Natural World Tour with Curator Carol Buck
The Restoration of Mammal Hall
Fifty years ago, a team was assembled to create the dioramas at The State Museum of Pennsylvania . Fifty years later, a new team enhanced this PA Treasure. Here's how they did it. #PaProud 👇
Art of the Diorama - Mammal Hall at The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Which is your favorite Mammal Hall diorama The State Museum of Pennsylvania? Join Carol Buck on Thursday, Sept. 27 for an artistic look at these Pennsylvania treasurers 🦌🐻🦊. #PaProud #video
Philadelphia is well represented this year in "Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2018:
✅ Paula Cahill, Progression
✅ Andrea Beizer, Define Value
✅ Corliss Cavalieri, Venus & Cupid
✅ Peter Cunicelli Studios, Red Belly Vase
✅ Jerry Di Falco, Abe, Halloween 1962
✅ Marguerita Hagen, Diatom Odontella Aurita Spiral Colony - LaMer, Jewel Series
✅ Nancy Middlebrook, Glacier #2
✅ @Carol Tashjian, There Are Always Ghosts (Empty Room)
#AOS2018 @Jump Street
5535 - 2017
Don't be confused by the name of Maria Maneos' sculpture, "5535 - 2017." Each crystal bead represents one person who lost their battle to heroin/opiate addiction in Pennsylvania in 2017. See her work at #AOS2018 . Jump Street
Behind the Scenes at Noon Years 2017
Going #BehindTheScenes at Noon Years 2017 to uncover what makes the famous firefly...fly. #NewYearsEve
Earthtones performing at the Holiday Marketplace. Come on down!
Fort Hunter Excavation 2017
This Sunday, discover what's below your feet at Fort Hunter Day. Archaeologists are knee-deep into their search for further evidence of the remains of a French and Indian War era supply fort.
Dauphin County Parks & Recreation
Michael Brolly - "Homage To My Mother"
Spend Sunday afternoon taking a casual tour of "Art of the State" at The State Museum of Pennsylvania. Artist Michael Brolly will be your guide offering his perspective on many of the works. #ArtofState50 Jump Street
Robert Stickloon - Self-Portrait at 70
Every few years, Robert Stickloon creates a self-portrait. Sometimes, it’s because he can’t think of anything else to do & he's the most available subject. #ArtofState50 Jump Street
